The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced investigation into two suspects arrested over the alleged non-declaration of $461,600 at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, in what authorities described as a breach of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
The suspects, identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi, were apprehended after arriving in Kano from Dubai aboard Ethiopian Airline flight ET941 on May 8, 2026.
According to the EFCC in a statement on Monday, the suspects initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk operated by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). However, a further physical examination allegedly uncovered additional undeclared cash concealed in their luggage.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that Customs officers discovered an extra $120,000 on Waya, raising the total amount in his possession to $250,000, while another $31,600 was allegedly found on Namadi, bringing his total to $211,600.
The EFCC said the undeclared sums contravened Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which mandate travellers carrying funds above the approved threshold to make full disclosure to authorities.
The suspects and the recovered funds were formally handed over to the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Speaking during the handover, the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Friday S. Ebelo, said the Commission would pursue the matter thoroughly.
Ebelo said, “The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice.”
He also commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for what he described as sustained cooperation between both agencies in tackling financial crimes and illegal cash movement across the country’s borders.
According to him, inter-agency collaboration remains critical in efforts to curb money laundering and other transnational financial offences.
In his remarks, the Acting Customs Area Controller for Kano/Jigawa Area Command, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu, also praised the working relationship between the Customs Service and the EFCC.
Adamu said, “Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realising our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash.”
Authorities said the suspects, alongside the recovered money and other exhibits, were subsequently moved to the EFCC office in Kano, where they remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The latest interception comes during intensified scrutiny by Nigerian authorities on cross-border cash movement, especially at international airports, as enforcement agencies tighten measures against money laundering, terrorism financing, and illicit financial flows.
Under Nigerian law, travellers carrying cash above the statutory threshold are required to declare such funds to relevant authorities upon arrival or departure. Failure to do so may attract investigation, forfeiture, or prosecution depending on the circumstances surrounding the transaction.
The EFCC has not yet disclosed whether additional suspects are being investigated in connection with the case.